Family law - Case law

Family law and property law are among the most numerous and emotionally complicated disputes and are the types of disputes that can go on for years; often for reasons that are not logical and that could be resolved. Because of the expense, a growing number of people choose to represent themselves. Self-represented people can often achieve the same results as lawyers; provided that they take the time to understand how the courts have handled similar problems and provided that they take an objective approach that avoids emotional battles over hurt feelings, and that avoids unrealistic expectations, greed or vindictiveness. A selection of court decisions is offered for the rationally minded reader as examples of various types of disputes. These may assist people in solving their own problems based on the knowledge of what a court may order. Allowing a court to dictate a solution involves significant legal expenses as well as court costs. This is money that might be better spent by the family members.